International Institute of Welding Diplomas

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) was founded in 1948 with the objective of being the international organization for the promotion of welding innovation and best joining practices and for providing a platform for the exchange and dissemination of evolving welding technologies and applications.

Today, the IIW is a worldwide network for welding and allied joining technologies, with a current membership of 56 countries from the five continents.

The CWB Group recognizes the international importance of the IIW system for the accreditation of welding personnel. The world is harmonizing standards and the IIW diplomas will be the international minimum used by most countries around the world.

The CWB Group is the Authorized National Body (ANB) for the International Institute of Welding (IIW) in Canada and is issuing diplomas to welding professionals at four levels:

  • International Welding Engineer
  • International Welding Technologist
  • International Welding Specialist
  • International Welding Practitioner

Currently, there are two options for gaining qualification.

  1. The Standard Route
  2. Transitional Arrangements

The Standard Route

The Standard Route requires attendance at IIW approved training courses designed to meet all the requirements in the IIW syllabus. IIW recommends this route as offering the fastest, most comprehensive manner in which the syllabus may be covered. At present, there are two Authorized Training Bodies (ATBs) that are accredited in Canada at the International Welding Technologist (IWT) level.

1. Northern College in Kirkland Lake, Ontario

Our diploma programs are recognized by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) for certification. Northern College is an authorized training body for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Certification as an International Welding Technologist through the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) provides technology graduates with job opportunities in 38 IIW member countries.
Click here for program information.

2. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Since 1973, the SAIT Welding Engineering Technology Program has offered full-time, hands-on education. As a specialist on the engineering team, the technologist not only understands the welding processes used in metal fabrication, but is also trained in quality control, welding metallurgy, codes, fabrication techniques, inspections, drafting, weld design, management and supervision, computer skills, and project management. Practical welding skills are also developed to gain an in-depth understanding of welding processes. The two-year program is fully nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.
Click here for program information.

Transition Arrangements
Transition Arrangements are the requirements by which individuals with Canadian experience are recognized and approved for receiving IIW qualifications without attending courses through an Authorized Training Body (ATB). Due to the IIW rules for this option, only candidates who have fully met all the requirements prior to February 2008 will be accepted.

The CWB Group is currently accepting applications candidates for the Engineer, Technologist, Specialist and Practitioner under the IIW approved Canadian Transition Arrangements.

The attached document lists the specific requirements for each qualification: Click here to download a PDF document of Transition Arrangements.

Candidate Application Form

Related links
To follow IIW activities in Canada and internationally, refer to:

For more information contact the CWB at 1-800-844-6790 or at info@cwbgroup.org